SPOKANE – A beef cattle feeding operation in Walla Walla County has been
fined $24,000 for releasing particle pollution into the air. At high
concentrations, small particles can cause respiratory problems for people.

Simplot Feeders LLP violated air quality rules while grinding hay in March
2014, which released large amounts of dust into the air.

Inspectors from the Washington Department of Ecology observed particle
pollution above limits allowed in the company’s air quality permit for the
feedlot and outside the property boundary. Ecology also received complaints
about dust from this facility’s operation.

Simplot’s permit requires the dust to be controlled by an air filter and
remain within the feedlot property boundary.

Simplot had recently upgraded equipment but underestimated the dust that the
new hay grinding would release into the air.

Ecology is working with Simplot to correctly estimate hay grinding emissions
and update the permit. Simplot will be required to make modifications that may
include installing additional pollution control equipment to meet air quality
rules.

Simplot Feeders may appeal the fine to the state’s Pollution Control Hearings
Board within 30 days.